What is the difference between 2003 International Building Codes and 2003 Existing Building Codes??

Question

Trying to research Building codes that pertain to a house built in the 1940s. Which one would we go by??? Thanks

Answer 1

International building codes are what most local and states adapt as there own building codes or a minimum standard by which states and local codes must meet. Existing building codes refer to codes used for remodeling or adding to an existing building. Your house was built according to the 1940's codes that applied then. You need to be more specific about the problem before we can help you.

additional info: I remember now, you had the contractor that got permits easily, ok a foundation footing is going to be a tough one because the work is complete, you will need a drawing with a stamp from a P.E. (Professional Engineer) as to what he did then that will have to be submited to the building dept, one problem is that any rebar (steel reinforcement bars) are now coverd up with concrete and this needed to be inspected, if your contractor has a good relationship with the inspector he may just take his word on it, or if you took pictures while the work was progressing some inspectors will accept that, the second problem is that modern footings have to have certain soil densitys and soil types to support them and it doesnt sound like you had any soil testing here, the way around that is to add more concrete or gravel to exceed what is required by the code and a P.E. can help there too. Another option is to apply for a variance with the city or county which would mean going before the council and showing that the new footings meet or exceed the existing footings.If your contractor didnt change all the footings or less than 50% of the footings this may work but you will still need a P.E. Make an appointment with a local elected official and explain the situation to them if you go this route. I hope you understand that no one is trying to harass you this all for your safety and so that your house doesnt slowly sink over the years where your contractor did his work. And to be honest your contractor should have known that anytime you add to or alter anything strucual you must have an engineers stamped drawings.

Answer 2

Olger H had a pretty good answer.

I wanted to add that the 2003 Existing Building Code will only apply if it has been adopted by your city, county, state (whoever has the authority).

Sounds like you do need a PE or Architect.  They will know the most about the local requirements.

Good luck.  

p.s. you might want to consider legal council, too.  They can help you make the Contractor pay for any additional resources (Engineers, Architects) you might need if they are the ones who screwed up.